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Charity

Giving back to the world around you can make you feel better in yourself. It also has added health benefits like lower blood pressure and a longer life. When you aren’t feeling happy in yourself it can be difficult to be motivated to do something for others. Why not do something that you enjoy with the added bonus of helping?

Foster an animal – If you love animals but maybe don’t feel ready for the commitment of a full time pet, try fostering. Here in Dublin the SPCA is always looking for foster parents for their animals. You get to see what it’s like to have a pet, without feeling obligated to keep it forever.

Volunteer at a charity shop – If you have some spare time or have been out of work and want to ease yourself back into that life, this is a great start. Usually the hours are relatively short and you will also be helping a great cause.

Run for charity – There are tons of fun runs all over the world that need money raised. If you already like to run you are doing something you love while also contributing to the greater good.

Turn hobbies into fundraisers – Maybe you love to bake or have a knack for making decorations. You could set up a table one day and decide that all money raised goes to help a cause you are passionate about.

There are so many benefits to giving and it’s something that is incredibly easy to do. Especially once you realise you don’t even have to go out of your way to do it.

Console is the National Suicide Charity, founded by Paul Kelly following the suicide of his young sister in 2002. It provides professional counselling, support and helpline services (1800 247 247) to those in suicidal crisis and to those bereaved through suicide in Ireland and the UK. They seek to respond to the spiritual, emotional and psychological needs of their clients. Their mission is to provide professional therapeutic counselling, support and helpline services to people in suicidal crisis and to those bereaved through suicide with respect, dignity and compassion.

They are always working to give back to anyone who comes to them for support. Now is the chance for the rest of to give back to them. They are looking for volunteers for their wonderful campaign called ‘Shop For Good’. This is a unique fundraising initiative to raise much needed funds and awareness for Console, where every cent goes directly to the charity.

It runs at the Dundrum Town Centre on April 24th-26th. The concept is simple, buy a coupon from the Dundrum coupon kiosks for just €1.00. With each coupon you receive massive discounts in more than 100 shops and restaurants throughout the centre. Multiple coupons will entitle the customer to multiple discounts so the more coupons you buy, the more you save and the more money will be raised for Console. Last year almost €40,000 was raised but they are hoping to double that figure this year.

Want to know how you can help? Console NEEDS volunteers! If you could give a minimum of three house in times listed below please contact Gerard Tiernan on 083 1265373 or email gerard@console.ie.

I often worry that the spare change I give to panhandlers will be used for drugs or alcohol. Although that is my own judgement I prefer to know that what I am giving will help the individual. More often then not I’ll give food and the person is always grateful.

If you are like myself but are feeling more generous, why not make packs to be given out to the homeless in your area? Depending on your location and the time of year you can change the contents. Here in Ireland I would throw in a rain ponchos maybe in a colder climate a pair of gloves or mittens would be appreciated.

That warm and fuzzy feeling will give your mood a boost, even if you are feeling low. The world needs more random acts of kindness, here in Ireland there’s a festival on the weekend of July 19th. For those of you on the rest of the planet take a look at this site for some great ideas and how to get involved.

“A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.” – Gautama Buddha